Dear HolyCowCreative,

This is me.
This is me repenting.
This is me repenting for not appreciating your intellect and creativity.

I'm excited to hear you speak at Cultivate ;)

Michael,

For me, it all boils down to what feels like a trampling of a big value in favor of a lessor value. I believe that's the reason the article evoked so much emotion.

Brad and I spoke on Tuesday. It was a good talk where I was able to affirm so many good things you guys do. I am and have been a really big fan. CMS has been a pretty amazing place. I just think that at the end of the day, you blunted what may have been a good topic by simply butchering the delivery by targeting Rick Warren.

I was pretty sarcastic in my responses. That's on me. I'll take full responsibility for that. But, there are some really important things in life and ministry and then there are some things that are important to us. I think the really thing in life and ministry was missed in favor of a really important thing to you and to a good number of designers.

Keep doing your thing, Michael...I'd try to grow through this one though...hopefully, I do as well.

I've thought and thought about this, and tried to come up with some way to understand the responses that have been given on this topic here and on CMS. Here's what I got:

Issues that are systematic often produce polar reactions: either you see the magic trick for what it is or you only see smoke and mirrors.

I'm going to list a couple examples of systematic injustice in hopes that anyone reading might find some insightful parallels: I can remember a time when (even as Christian) I had no sympathy for young kids growing up in poor neighborhoods who weren't getting into colleges. My thoughts were, "If they were to work hard enough..." or "If they want it bad enough..." I can remember a time when I thought businesses shouldn't be held accountable for their actions, because the "market" would govern them. The people who lose their jobs in the mean time and can't feed their families should just move: "If they want it bad enough..." "If they are willing to work hard enough..." I can remember a time when I would pray with and give money to people on the streets only to walk away thinking, "They're just weak..." I can remember a time when I would look at the young African-American boys I mentor and think horrible things about their fathers, because they were in jail, thinking "If they didn't do crack, the wouldn't be in jail..."

But then I started getting challenged on those statements. So I started researching the situations, talking with people who were in them. I started looking at the surrounding circumstances. And I began to learn what systematic injustice was. It was like my eyes were opened completely. Every time I was confronted with two possibilities: either I was just a better person then these people were (pride) or I was the beneficiary of a different system.

And that's what systematic injustice is. It's not denying that people making choices that affect their lot. It's affirming that our choices aren't enough for any of us to deserve good things It's not people trying to be evil (because then it would be easy to see, point out, and fix). Like Michael has made so clear, Warren's intent was almost certainly sincere and good. The way he went about it though, it plays into a system designed to devalue, marginalize, and in general, hurt people. Satan does this all the time: hides his tricks in the systems of the world. Because after all, we are so busy tearing each other down most of the time that we never have a chance to look at where the real problem lays.

Now of course, systems are created, maintained, and even redeemed by: people. That's where we come in. On this issue, we might ask if it is really okay to lump "creatives" in with the poor, homeless, least, and lost. I think that issue has already been decidedly weighed in on. I'll offer a different perspective: If I can't minister to, and value the people I work with at a church, how do I ever expect to be able to do that with anyone else?!

Because it isn't always about whether or not policies or choices that were made were correct. It is about real people hurting--and that is ALWAYS a problem, even if "I am right". So I often I'm violent towards the very people I have committed my life to serving in Jesus' name. I don't want to be willing to trample over them for the sake of an idea or cause. And that goes for people of both sides of the "Christian" fence.

I'm thankful for all the energy that has been put into this conversation. I'm going to be remembering how I used to feel about things that I didn't understand and praying that God will see fit to enlighten us all, especially when it comes to such heated issues.

John

ps. if you are wondering about any of the examples I gave above of systematic injustice above, or disagree with them, please email me personally and let's discuss them, I'd rather not hijack the thread =)

Hahaha John I could give you a great big hug for using the words "ban" and "Papyrus" together in a sentence. Although, could banning Papyrus leave behind a vacuum begging to be filled with Comic Sans and Spec Work? The mind reels :)

I too have been pretty shocked by the reaction this topic has received. I think a lot of it comes from ignorance. I found people take a strong offense to that word, but part of the the reaction does seem to be coming from a true lack of knowledge and understanding on the subject. I've been especially saddened to see some of the most condescending and catty remarks come from pastors!

Another part of it, as Joe mentioned above, it that it really feels like a 1 Cor 12 scenario. It's sad to watch a mouth try to gnaw off fingers spitefully. Conversely, seeing ministries where many different disciplines function together is an awesome sight.

As a pastor, Carl, you should reach out to and embrace the artists around you and bring them into your sermon prep. A wise man once said: "If you don't have a creative on you leadership team, you're planning with half your brain."

I have enjoyed the creative partnership of working with two senior pastors (who were two of the best Holy Ghost inspired and power filled preachers I've ever heard) in their sermon prep. They knew that God made us a body with many parts and to function correctly, we all must work together using our unique skills as unto the Lord.

There again, I've also worked with senior pastors who arrogantly kept everyone at arms length. They were convinced they were The Man of God, the oracle; and who was a creative (or anyone else for that matter) to think they could add anything to their anointing or to the word they had been given.

Carl, my brother, we're all on the same team. Really we are. And the primary way the world sees Jesus is through our love.

You might not agree with creatives (like Michael and me) but we're all branches of the same tree... prune carefully.

So you not only give book selling advise but sermon prep as well. thanks.

I, too, am surprised. It's amazing the anger such a topic brings out. Whatever happened to "in humility consider others better than yourself"?

Thanks again for opening this topic. I know you did so with much thought, prayer and consultation. It's conversations like this that bring to light the great need for better communication in the Church.

Perhaps a new captcha on CFCC could be "Would Jesus reply with this?" I know WWJD is pretty overused in industry, but there's a lot of truth behind that statement.

God bless you in your work! Thanks for putting your passion and talents behind such a great cause.

p.s. I wonder what topic would garner more negativity... This topic of Spec work or the age old question of banning 'Papyrus' from all ministry collateral.

Thanks Joe.

It was probably a mistake to single out Rick Warren's contest. Not just because it wasn't about it him, but his contest isn't the norm. Normally we're talking about a prize that is much less than going rate, by a large amount. i.e.. $150 or an attaboy.

But the type of your contest goes to show why this isn't black and white. I don't really have a problem with the contest you are describing. But, an important aspect is that the work created is for contest sake and not being used commercially. That to me is a big difference.

But I too am disappointed in the emotions and anger the issue stirs up, and the us vs. them mentality that it builds up.

Those walls need to come down, once they do creativity will start to pour in and we will see more effective ministry.

I am shocked at the emotion that has been kicked up over this issue. Really, I'm stunned. Holy Cow!

Michael, thanks for your well-stated point of view. It could only come from a professional who's worked in the secular world and in the church world. I applaud you, and I am saddened over the flak that's been thrown your way.

I, too, am a working professional. I've won many of the top awards my industry (televison) has to offer. I am very well paid for my work by the clients I chose to partner with. I am asked all the time by churches and religious non-profits to cut my rate, to donate work, or give free advice. I doubt if they make the same request to a plumber when a pipe breaks or to a roofer after a storm.

However, there is a difference between spec work and a contest. I can point to many organizations that stage a contest wherein the filmmaker (in my industry) creates a short film on a particular topic and at the end of the contest the best works are shown and the winner gets awarded - usually with cash and their work being shown to a larger audience. I don't have time to take part in these contests (I'm too busy working on paying gigs) but for those starting out, it's a great way to get experience, build a reel, get exposure and maybe some money.

Rick Warren's deal sounds more like this model than spec work, but for a guy with the resources of a major book publisher behind him, this wasn't the smartest move.

But, I still can't get over the emotions this has stirred up. Michael's right. It's a biblical principle: you pay the people who work for you. Read James 5, especially verse 4. It is a matter of justice and Christian morality.

I'm praying for you, Michael.

Some people wave banners for life.
Some people wave banners for sexuality.
Some wave banners for the oppressed and the poor.
Some for the orphans and widows.

And some for a cause not worth fighting for.

I believe Jesus called us to THE GREAT COMMISSION, not the GREAT DISTRACTION.

Delete everything you've written about this & it will go away and we can all get back to work...

And you will have a hard time convincing people in pastoral ministry about how much you should be valued.

At least we know where you stand: We, creatives, aren't as important as you a pastor.

So you know where I stand: I think that's a disgusting, arrogant and prideful statement.

If you actually allowed creativity to seep into your messages, you'd find that those message would stick more. Which would indeed mean less marriages failing, less gossip, etc. Not because of the creative, but because words and visuals came together and communicated in a way that they could carry with them.

@Carl

I appreciate your insight but think it's attacking and off base. As I stated on CCP, we should all be valued equally in the Body of Christ. Pastors are no more important than designers and vice versa.

There are creatives who think more highly of themselves but this is also true of pastors and church leaders. It's not right to lump everyone together.

It sounds like you have encountered some great pain in ministry (and I understand having been in full time ministry too) and I am sorry, but don't let that cloud your perception of designers anymore than other people.

Please consider what you communicate and know that we all have been abused, neglected, or undervalued. We should consider ALL of our situations joy as we do them for the Lord.

Sure I care about people. But I don't tell the world to tiptoe around the folks with the issues. I tell the folks with the conflict to check their hearts.

I think it is possible that the "creatives" are not really a class of people. Instead this may be a subgroup that thinks a little more highly of themselves then they ought.

Not sure if you have seen Rick Warren's books but the covers clearly did not drive sales.

I know designers have to guard perception of their craft in order to justify their fees but the truth is that they are valued exactly as much as they ought to be.

And you will have a hard time convincing people in pastoral ministry about how much you should be valued. Nobody has ever blamed the series graphic designer when a marriage ends or a business fails. Nobody has ever left a church and complained that the bulletin did not feed them. People don't gossip around town that the business card designer is overpaid because his wife got a new dress. And on average, professional graphic designers don't have to work 2 full time jobs to follow the call of God on their lives.

I agree with your point that there are people that should be very concerned with the professionalism of their graphics. I also agree that the designer and client should discuss the desires of the client but don't you think that a decent designer could more than familiarize themselves with Rick Warren through his massive body of written and spoken work?

I have a question for you. Did you take Barton Damer to task for competing (and winning) in Lil Wayne's design contest? How was he able to win without meeting with him? Will you now write a blog post about how he was wrong?

This isn't about me Carl.

Should you as a pastor consider people who are hurting?

Is that seriously in doubt?

It seems that you are in the camp that says, "I realize that a person or group of persons feels unappreciated. Sorry, I don't care."

If you don't care that people feel undervalued, unimportant and unappreciated that's an awfully self focused and arrogant stance. Remember, a pastor is in position not to be idolized but to serve and shepherd.

It is about creatives & designers feeling undervalued, unimportant, and unappreciated.

So Rick Warren has to make ministry decisions based on how you feel about yourself? Wow!

I still don't understand why I get such an angry response like this. I have to imagine people just aren't reading the full posts and it's just a knee jerk reaction. I hope.

Destitute has a couple of definitions:
1. lacking something needed or desirable
2. lacking possessions and resources

I'm taking of the first, not the second. Designers, specifically in the church, are not being treated fairly. They are treated as second rate.

Is this the same as taking care of the homeless and poor...of course not. It breaks my heart that people don't read what I wrote and see my heart.

There is a segment of people out there that feel unappreciated and undervalued, and there's something we could do to help that. And no, they can't talk because they don't have a voice, they aren't listened to...but they should be.

You have completely lost your mind trying to justify your actions. Seriously? Are you really speaking up for those who can't speak? The poor and destitute? Somehow I do not picture the Bible talking refering to someone sitting at home with a MacBook Pro, using Illustrator to possibly design a book cover as unable to speak, poor and destitue. Dude, get out of your bubble and step into the real world. Or, at least stop twisting scripture and stop cutting down those who are actually trying to live it out - without twisting.

Thanks and much love

Well, it is always a lonely position to speak and not be heard!
My friend I hear you and the depth of your words.
I hear the wisdom in your thinking and so...
Let it be said.. because those spoken words wich are not a result of the tree of knowledge will eventually be fruitful!
Blessing, and please... keep on writing

Thanks so much for writing the letter and taking the time to try and educate people amongst the bickering and name-calling that erupted from the feedback. You handled yourself incredibly well and were a great example of how to deal with such a problem.

Here's hoping something good comes of all of this.